Different Stripe is Cheryl Wheeler's ninth album, her first since 1999's Sylvia Hotel. Not a "best-of" collection, but rather a collection of favorite ballads, it's an appealing retrospective of some of Wheeler's best work.

This collection mines Wheeler's 16-year recording career for some genuine gems. Seven of the songs, including "Arrow," "Northern Girl" and "Aces" (which became a hit for Suzy Bogguss) were culled from her major label (Capitol) debut Circles & Arrows, with eight more coming from four Philo/Rounder recordings including Sylvia Hotel and Mrs. Pinnochi's Guitar.

There are 19 songs in all, and for the most part they're very well-written with beautiful melodies and heartfelt, insightful lyrics. Unlike some compilation albums, Different Stripe does not suffer unduly from inconsistency in production and arrangement, despite the involvement of several producers (Kyle Lehning, Jonathan Edwards and Ben Wisch).

I have always been drawn to Cheryl's beautiful voice and affecting melodies, and many of my favourite songs are here. She is a sensitive and often bittersweet songwriter, and in performance and in her other recordings, the tinge of sadness is balanced by a fantastic sense of humour.

Because her humourous songs (like "Potato," "Unworthy" and "Estate Sale") are left off of Different Stripe, the album has a more consistent sound than some others. On the other hand, the consistent sound can sound a bit mournful after awhile.

However, Cheryl's sheer talent as a performer and songwriter wins the day, especially in fine older songs like "Aces" and new ones like the uniquely tender and perceptive "Gandhi/Buddha" -- "I must've done something great to get to have you." (However, I miss the "alternate version" she does in her live performances. I think it's called "Hitler/Satan" -- a biting comment about what she thinks of her former partner now!)

I love the bittersweet Chery andI love the "bitter-silly" Cheryl. Different Stripe shows me mostly the bittersweet side, but it's lovely just the same.

- Rambles
written by Joy McKay
published 6 September 2003